Performance glove having flexible wrist support

ABSTRACT

A performance glove  100  comprises a glove body  111  including a palm portion  110  joined to a back portion  132  for fitting about an individual&#39;s hand. Finger portions  112 - 118  and a thumb portion  120  are joined to glove body  111  for receiving the fingers and thumb. An elastic wrist strap  124  is attached at its proximal end to back portion  132  of glove body  111  adjacent thumb portion  120  at an approximate 45 degree angle to an axis  128  that passes through a conical opening  134  and a middle finger portion  116.  Elestic wrist strap  124  extends along its length sufficient to wrap about the wrist exactly once, with distal end of elastic wrist strap  124  removably attached to back portion  132  of glove body  111  adjacent to a pinky finger portion  112  at an approximate 45 degree angle to axis  128.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to performance gloves for use in sporting and related activities and, more particularly, to a glove having flexible wrist support for extreme sports and other activities where both support and flexibility are required.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many sports and other activities require flexible hand and wrist movements. These same activities, however, often require simultaneous support of the wrist so as to avoid hyperextension and related injuries. These requirements of flexibility and support are often in conflict, since existing mechanisms for preventing wrist injury are usually bulky and and directly interfere with wrist and hand movement. This makes gloves and other devices which employ these mechanisms uncomfortable and, more importantly, largely ineffective for use in activities such as motocross, bicycling, water sports, and snowboarding.

There are a number of existing gloves that have been specifically designed for use in sporting activities. For example, one of these gloves include a wrist support that wraps around the wrist one to three times, thus explicitly providing a rigid support for preventing hyperextension of the ligaments. Unfortunately, this rigid support interferes with the flexibly movement of the wrist that is required for many of the above types of sporting and other activities. This difference, while subtle, prevents existing gloves and related devices from being effectively used in those sports and related activities which require flexible wrist and hand movement.

One example a prior art sports glove is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,384 to McCrane. The McCrane glove includes an inelastic wrist strap that wraps around the wrist to secure the glove while also tightly binding the wrist against flexure to protect against hyperextension of the ligaments and tendons in the wrist. The most common application for this glove is in weight lifting, a sport which, other than movement of the fingers and thumb for gripping, requires relatively little wrist or hand movement.

Other prior art examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,913 to Rector that provides a protective glove for use in skateboarding, which has an elastic wristband as well as a palm pad to absorb impact forces when a person's hand strikes the ground in a fall. U.S. Pat. No. 3,031,680 to Compiano provides a bowling glove with protective pads suited for that particular sport. U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,386 to Grzyll provides a glove with an abrasive material for use in cleaning and related jobs. U.S. Pat. No. 3,164,841 to Burtoff provides a safety glove having a series of rings of a rigid material placed over portions of the fingers to protect against heavy impact from a machine or hammer. None of these prior art examples discloses or suggests a wrist support that allows flexible movement of the hand and wrist.

Other related prior art examples include the followng: U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,658 to Cronin discloses a splint across the palm and includes extensions for supporting the fingers and the thumb. Although Cronin discloses a somewhat rigid glove optionally having flexible joints, it does not disclose or suggest a wrist support.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,234 to Martel et al. discloses a hand and arm support. The front edge includes spaced finger holes, while the rear edge defines an opening for a hand. The glove body is made from a thin lightweight elastic spandex material. Martel discloses only the use of an elastic material and does not specifically disclose a glove.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,933 to Stephens discloses a glove-like hand and wrist restraint. The Stephens glove is made of soft material, such as soft cotton, and does not disclose or suggest any type of wrist or other support as in the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,707 to Eck discloses a wrist and two finger restraining device for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The restraining device comprises a palm brace having a wrist, a section supporting the heel and palm of the patient's hand and terminating at the base of the second, third and forth fingers of the hand. Eck does not disclose or suggest a glove for use in sports or other activities as in the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,265 to Reich discloses a garment sleeve adapted to receive the arm and hand of a user and so constructed that the palm of the user is protected, with finger movement unrestricted, as the hand extends out of the distal end of the sleeve and at the same time the distal end is sealed against entry of wind, air, rain and the like. Reich does not displose or suggest a glove.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,473 to Robinson discloses a remedial hand wear article comprising a glove for comfortably fitting onto a hand of an individual, an enclosure superimposed on a top side of the glove and permanently attached thereto, and a substantially rigid member positioned within the enclosure and operably associated with a finger of the individual to position that finger in a desired posture. The glove portion of the hand wear article provides comfort to the user while also serving to lessen the noticeability of any hand or finger grotesqueness. A proximal knuckle of at least one finger is blocked to prevent hyperextension, while the proximal knuckle and the distal knuckles of the finger are capable of full anatomical finger flexure. Robinson does not disclose or suggest a glove having wrist support as in the present invention.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,475,174 and 6,946,984 to Chow disclose a sleeve having a splint to partially immobilize the thumb side of a hand. Chow allows only movement about the most distal knuckle and does not disclose or suggest a glove having wrist support as in the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,550 to Flores discloses a set of three driving gloves, each having a different length to be worn by a driver. Each glove has a varying length with finger portions cut away to allow for greater flexibility when driving. This patent discloses cut-away finger portions of the glove so that the fingers may be flexed, but does not disclose or suggest a glove having wrist support as in the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,397 to Williams discloses protective garments, such as gloves and socks and the method of making the same that are comfortable to wear and at the same time provide a high degree of protection to the user against exposure to various chemical vapors, and hazardous agents including noxious gases. This invention does not disclose or suggest a glove having flexible wrist support.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,172 to Adams discloses a rigid glove having openings at the ends of the fingers, such that the ends of the fingers from the most distal joint protrude and may be flexed as an exercise. This invention does not disclose or suggest any type of wrist support.

None of the prior art patents disclose or suggest a glove having a wrist support that provides for the flexible movement of the wrist and hand, while simultaneosly providing support against hyperextension and related injuries.

Accordingly, there is a need for a performance glove that provides firm, yet flexible, wrist support for use in sports and other activities that require hand protection and flexible movement of the wrist and hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to performance gloves for use in sports or other activities requiring a wrist support which allows flexible movement of the hand and wrist.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a glove having a body including a palm portion joined to a back portion for fitting about an individuals hand. Cylindrical portions are joined to the glove body for receiving the fingers and thumb. An elastic wrist strap is attached at its proximal end to the back portion of the glove body adjacent the thumb at an approximate 45 degree angle an axis passing through the wrist and middle finger of the hand. The elastic wrist strap extends along its length sufficient to wrap about the person's wrist exactly once, with the distal end of the strap removably attached to the back portion of the glove body adjacent to the pinky finger at a 45 degree angle to the long axis of the arm. When wrapped around the wrist in the manner described, the elastic wrist strap forms a conical opening which secures the glove to the hand, thereby preventing the glove from sliding off the hand.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved performance glove for use in sports and other activities requiring flexible, yet firm, wrist support.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a performance glove in which the glove body has an elastic wrist strap adapted to secure the glove to the hand while providing flexible support for the wrist.

Still another object is to provide a performance glove for use in sports including, but not limited to, motocross, skateboarding, bicycling, skiing and snowboarding.

Yet another object is to provide a performance glove for use in activities such as construction, freight handling and truck driving.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated by a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a palm view of an embodiment of a performance glove 100, showing a wrist strap 124 unwrapped and fully extended, and constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a first top view of performance glove 100 of FIG. 1, showing wrist strap 124 unwrapped and fully extended;

FIG. 3 is a second top view of performance glove 100, showing wrist strap 124 partially wrapped; and

FIG. 4 is a third top view of performance glove 100, showing wrist strap 124 fully wrapped and forming a conical opening 134.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following exemplary discussion focuses on a performance glove that provides firm, yet flexible, wrist support for use in sports and other activities that hand protection and flexible movement of the wrist and hand.

In FIG. 1, a palm view of an embodiment of a performance glove 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, is disclosed. Performance glove 100 is comprised of glove body 111 having a palm portion 110 and a top portion 132 (FIG. 2) together forming a hand opening 134, finger portions 112-118 connected to glove body 111, and a thumb portion 120 also connected to glove body 111. The combination of glove body 111, finger portions 112-118 and thumb portion 120 is formed of a flexible material that provides for the natural movement of the hands, fingers and thumb. Palm portion 110 provides a surface suitable, in combination with finger portions 112-118 and thumb portion 120, for gripping and holding.

Performance glove 100 is further comprised of an elastic wrist strap 124 having a distal end 125 and a proximal end 129 (FIG. 2). Elastic wrist strap 124 also has a first surface 115 and a second surface 117 (FIG. 2). A wrist strap axis 127 passes along said elastic wrist strap 124 between distal end 125 and proximal end 129. Elastic wrist strap 124 further includes a first attachment portion 126 positioned on first surface 115 at distal end 125 of elastic wrist strap 124. In a preferred embodiment, first attachment portion 126 may be constructed of Velcro of similar material.

In FIG. 1, elastic wrist strap 124 is shown unwrapped and fully extended, such that an approximate 45-degree angle 126 exists between wrist strap axis 127 and a glove axis 128 that passes between hand opening 134 and middle finger portion 116.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a first top view of performance glove 100 of FIG. 1, again showing wrist strap 124 unwrapped and fully extended, is disclosed. As shown in FIG. 2, elastic wrist strap 124 is fixed to top portion 132 of glove body 111 adjacent to thumb portion 120, with wrist strap axis 127 of elastic wrist strap 124 forming the approximate 45-degree angle 126 with axis 128. Elastic wrist strap 124 further includes a second attachment portion 130 positioned on second surface 117 at the proximal end 129 of elastic wrist strap 124, adjacent to thumb portion 120. In the preferred embodiment second attachment portion 130 may also be constructed of Velcro or similar material.

Continuing now with FIG. 3, a second top view of performance glove 100, showing elastic wrist strap 124 partially wrapped, is shown. The partial wrapping of elastic wrist strap 124 shows how one side 136 of hand opening 134 assumes a conical form when elastic wrist strap 124 is wrapped around the palm side of the wrist. FIG. 3 also shows the relative positions of first attachment portion 126 and second attachment portion 130, and how they will be joined once elastic wrist strap 124 is fully wrapped about the wrist.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a third top view of performance glove 100, showing elastic wrist strap 124 fully wrapped and forming conical opening 134, is disclosed. As is shown in FIG. 4, when elastic wrist strap 124 is fully wrapped around the wrist, the conical shape of hand opening 134 is fully formed as exemplified by sides 136 and 138. Further, elastic wrist strap 124 is held firmly in place by the physical joining of first attachment portion 126 and second attachment portion 130. Note also that the approximate 45-degree angle 126 is maintained between wrist strap axis 127 and glove axis 128.

In use, performance glove 100 is pulled onto the hand with the fingers and thumb snugly inserted into finger portions 112-118 and thumb portion 120, respectively. The distal end 125 of elastic wrist strap 124 is grasped by the other hand and wrapped snugly one time around the wrist, and is secured by pressing first and second attachment portions 126 and 130 together. The resulting conical shape of hand opening 134 creates a firm, yet flexible and novel means for securing the glove to the wrist and hand, thus allowing movement of the wrist and hand while simultaneously preventing the glove from slipping off the hand. This novel combination further provides flexible protection against hyperextension of the ligaments and tendons of the wrist during flexing, rotation, and other hand and wrist motions. Performance glove 100 thereby provides a flexible wrist support having a much higher degree of protection against sprains and other wrist injuries.

The foregoing description includes what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, top portion 132 and elastic wrist strap 124 may be constructed from a single portion of material without affecting the use of the glove. Additionally, the specific material used on constructing performance glove 100 may be varied while preserving the flexible support of elastic wrist strap 124. The particular mechanism used by attachment portions 126 and 130 may also be varied. Accordingly, it is intended that such changes and modifications fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, and that the invention be limited only by the following claims. 

1. A performance glove, comprising the combination of: a glove body further comprising a palm portion joined with a back portion to form a hand opening, said glove body having finger and thumb portions for receiving fingers and thumb, respectively, and said glove body having a glove axis that passes between said hand opening and a middle finger portion of said glove; an elastic wrist strap for securing said glove body to said hand by wrapping once around a wrist, said elastic wrist strap having a wrist strap axis extending between a proximate end and a distal end along said length of said elastic wrist strap, said proximate end of said wrist strap is fixed to said back portion of said said glove body, adjacent to said thumb portion, whereas said glove axis is oriented at a substantially forty-five degree angle to said wrist strap axis, thereby giving a conical form to said hand opening; and means for removably attaching said distal end of said elastic wrist strap to said back portion of said glove body, said means for attaching is located adjacent to a pinky finger portion of said glove, and said means for attaching providing optimal resistance of tension forces along said wrist strap axis when said eleastic wrist strap is wrapped around said wrist.
 2. The performance glove of claim 1, wherein said glove body and said finger and thumb portions are constructed of a flexible material.
 3. The performance glove of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said distal end of said elastic wrist strap to said back portion of said glove body comprises a Velcro patch.
 4. The performance glove of claim 1, wherein said length of said elastic wrist strap is sufficient to wrap about said wrist exactly once.
 5. A performance glove, comprising: a body including a palm portion joined to a back portion for fitting about a hand; plural cylindrical portions joined to said body for receiving fingers and thumb of said hand; and an elastic wrist strap having a proximate end and a distal end, said elastic wrist strap attached at its proximal end to said back portion of said body adjacent to said thumb at a substantially forty-five degree angle to an axis that passes through a hand opening and middle finger portion of said body, and in which elastic wrist strap extends along its length sufficient to wrap abound a wrist exactly once, with said distal end of said elastic wrist strap removably attached to said back portion of said body adjacent to a pinky finger at a substantially forty-five degree angle to said axis, thereby giving a conical form to said hand opening.
 6. The performance glove of claim 2, wherein said glove body and said finger and thumb portions are constructed of a flexible material.
 7. The performance glove of claim 2, wherein said means for attaching said distal end of said elastic wrist strap to said back portion of said glove body comprises a Velcro patch.
 8. The performance glove of claim 2, wherein said length of said elastic wrist strap is sufficient to wrap about said wrist exactly once.
 9. A performance glove, comprising the combination of: a glove body further comprising a palm portion joined with a back portion, said glove body having finger and thumb portions for receiving fingers and thumb of a hand, said glove body and said finger and thumb portions constructed of a flexible material, and said glove body having a glove axis that passes between a hand opening and middle finger portion of said glove, and said glove body for receiving said hand; an elastic wrist strap for securing said glove body to said hand by wrapping around a wrist, said elastic wrist strap having a length sufficient for wrapping around said wrist exactly one time, and said elastic wrist strap having a wrist strap axis extending longitudinally from a proximate end to a distal end along said length of said elastic wrist strap, said proximate end of said wrist strap is fixed to said back portion of said said glove body adjacent to said thumb portion, whereas said glove axis is oriented at substantially a forty-five degree angle to said wrist strap axis, thereby giving a conical form to said hand opening; and means for attaching said distal end of said elastic strap to said back portion of said glove body, said means for attaching comprising a Velcro patch, and said means for attaching is located adjacent to a pinky finger portion of said glove, said means for attaching providing optimal resistance of tension forces along said glove axis when said wrist strap is wrapped around said wrist. 